Spinal Conditions

Back Pain

Back pain is often a common symptom of many disease conditions, which range from simple or dull pain to sudden and sharp pain. If the pain persists for few days, it is an acute pain; whereas if the pain continues for more than 3 months, it is a considered as chronic pain. In most cases, back pain may resolve without any treatment, but incase if persists for more than 3 days, a medical intervention is necessary.

The first 7 vertebral bones on the spinal column form the cervical spine and are located in the neck region. The neck bears the weight of the head, allows significant amount of movement, and also less protected than other parts of spine. All these factors make the neck more susceptible to injury or other painful disorders. Common neck pain may occur from muscle strain or tension in everyday activities including poor posture, prolonged use of a computer and sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

Spine trauma is damage to the spine due to a sudden traumatic injury caused by an accidental fall or any other physical injury. Spinal injuries may occur while playing, performing normal activities, operating heavy machines, lifting heavy objects, driving automobiles, or when you suffer a fall. Injury to spine may cause various conditions including fractures, dislocation, partial misalignment (subluxation), disc compression (herniated disc), hematoma (accumulation of blood) and partial or complete tears of ligaments.

Cervical stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck region. This narrowing exerts pressure over the spinal cord resulting in neck pain. Cervical spinal stenosis occurs due to the narrowing of the spinal canal or the neuroforamen, in the neck region.

A compression fracture of the vertebra results in a collapse of the vertebra causing sudden severe back pain. A common cause of compression fractures in the spine is osteoporosis; a condition in which the bone density is reduced.

Herniated disc is a condition in which the outer fibers (annulus) of the intervertebral disc are damaged causing the soft inner material of the nucleus pulposus to rupture out of its space. A herniated disc, common in the lower back (lumbar spine) occurs when there is a tear in the outer lining of the disc (annulus fibrosus).

Herniation of a disc is an anomalous spine condition characterized by leakage of the inner contents of the intervertebral disc, due to cracks in its outer wall. Herniated disc is commonly seen in the cervical or neck region, a condition called cervical herniated disc (CHD).

Lumbar stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (lumbar) region which exerts pressure over the spinal cord resulting in low back and leg pain. Lumbar stenosis occurs due to the narrowing of the spinal canal or the neuroforamen, in the lower back region.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in older people. This disease affects the tissue covering the ends of bones in a joint (cartilage).In a person with osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes damaged and worn out causing pain, swelling, stiffness and restricted movement in the affected joint.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density resulting in brittle, fragile bones that are more susceptible to fractures. The condition most commonly affects elderly women. Osteoporosis related fractures are more common at the hips, wrists, or vertebral bodies of the spine. Osteoporosis is called a "silent disease," because a majority of the patients may be unaware of their condition until they develop a bone fracture.

Sciatica is a condition characterized by a group of symptoms caused by pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is one of the longest nerves in the body, extending from the lower back to the foot, passing through the buttock and the back of the leg.

Scoliosis is medical condition where there is abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.
Scoliosis can occur at any age and is seen more frequently in girls than boys. It curves like an “S” or “C” shape. Larger curves cause discomfort while the small curves do not cause any problems.